All posts filed under: Young Professional Tips

My name’s Kali Hawlk, and I’m passionate about using my skills and abilities to help others achieve their goals and dreams. And I know what it takes! I built my own website up from scratch, going from absentmindedly blogging to an audience of two (thanks, Mom and Dad) to being named one of US News’ and World Report’s 37 Personal Finance Experts to Follow on Twitter. I achieved my dream of becoming a professional writer and I’ve learned that there’s nothing I can’t accomplish when it comes to creating and making the life I want. Now, I help creatives like you learn how to live mindfully and with intention so you can make more — of your money, your work, and your life.

Originally posted on F R E E D O M: ? I can’t lie. I’m totally looking forward to my day off tomorrow. I’ve logged exactly 60 hours at my ‘day’ job, not including the portion of the paper work which I do not bill for. Needless to say, tomorrow will just be a great big blank out day for me. A day to run errands I so desperately need to run and see friends I need to see before I start my travels again. But what’s the secret to surviving? Impeccable organization skills is definitely one, but so is commitment and ironically flexibility, improvising on the spot, and having no expectations at all – as long as if something runs (yes, there’s no standards here) and I realized, this only works in short bursts. Because even the best slip up at times, and because there’s no cushioning time to fix mistakes, it’s very easy for one small mistake to snowball into major problems. On top of that, your health will probably take a hit…

Originally posted on CHASITY S. COOPER: November was quite the whirlwind for me both professionally and personally, but I wanted to drop a note of reflection as we into the last month of the year. Have you ever wanted to start something new (let’s in this case, say a blog) but continued to come up with excuses as to why you aren’t able to launch it? “I just don’t have enough time to write a blog post every day.” “What am I going to write about? And who will want to read it?” “I want my post to be perfect before I hit publish – I must keep editing!” The truth is, while we were busy asking ourselves 21 questions, making statements and assuming, we could’ve published at least one or two posts, created a content calendar for the next two months and put throwback content in rotation on social media. Last month specifically, I spent most of my time getting back into the groove of working full-time and managing my various passion projects. And…

Originally posted on JalaynaCarter.com: “It’s always been my dirty little secret that I don’t like finagling Adobe’s software. I figured most people would not be able to see me as a professional if I wouldn’t commit to learning how to use the software. But why does it matter what I’m using as long as I get the project done?! It takes time for me to learn to use fancy software over something that I’m used too and time’s a commodity most people can’t afford these days.” That was an excerpt from the first version of this piece where I found freedom in accepting that I didn’t have to use the tools everyone else was using and that I would be perfectly fine using Microsoft Publisher to address my designer needs for the rest of my (probably short lived) career. Since then I’ve come to terms with what I was actually doing which is a mix between giving myself some room to breathe and hanging myself with the slack that I was allowing. The truth…

Originally posted on thepostgradgal: PULSE CHECK! Do you have business cards on hand? Check your purse, briefcase, wallet… covered? Good. You never know you may meet and where. Make sure you have a business card at the ready. Last week I attended what I thought was a small get-together, which in reality turned out to be a much larger extravaganza, complete with media presences and elevator cocktails — yes, elevator cocktails are real and they’re lovely. Good thing is, I was well-dressed and wore heels, as at 5’1″ I want to be able to be seen. 🙂 Bad thing was, I completely forgot business cards. D’oh. Fortunately, I was able to get business cards from those I spoke with and made sure I touched base first thing the following morning. I wouldn’t recommend going to an event, no matter how big or small you expect it to be, empty-handed. You just never know. Don’t have business cards? Consider making your own through sites like Vistaprint, 123print, Moo, or Zazzle. In fact, upon visiting these sites,…

Originally posted on thepostgradgal: This blog, for me, has been a long time coming. Early into 2015 I had a lightbulb idea, a spontaneous exploding moment of creativity that I knew I needed to run with. I wanted to write, to share my story, encouraging others to feel comfortable enough to do the same. Even more so, I wanted to impart some wisdom I’ve gathered in my time after college, hoping that even one gal out there would have an easier experience. When it comes to my creative process, I’m split straight down the middle: 50% left brain, 50% right brain. Thus, as Creative as I like to be, I also like Process. Routine. Facts and figures. SO, before I embarked on this adventure known as The Post Grad Gal, I wanted to get some solid feedback on what gals like you would be interested in reading. I developed a survey, sent it to my resources, including sorority groups on Facebook, my closest friends and acquaintances who I’ve always admired. Boy, did you all deliver. 109 responses. Women ages 18-29. Incredible,…

Is it just me or do you too also dread the words ‘Smart Casual’ …. What does that even mean ? Is it acceptable to go smart or casual and if not how do we define a safe balance in the workplace. It’s no longer as easy as wearing a fitted suit with a knee length skirt every day, or casual Friday where you only have to have a few outfits which you can rotate 4 times a month and hope no one notices the double up on clothing. After months of long thought and cautious outfit planning I slowly found ways to trick our colleagues into thinking we’re style genius. Hope you’re ready for these cheeky little tips which will transform your wardrobe and as have us all sitting at the business table as Sheryl Sandberg suggests, ready to ‘lean in’. Great book by the way! 1. It’s all about the tops These will be your saviours, make sure you mix up colour and ensure you have at least 7 tops all different to…

Due to my strong desire to master budgeting, I spent last weekend downloading grocery coupon apps (RetailMeNot, Saving Star, etc.) and rebate apps. I found one rebate app that I love and one that’s a great sidekick. 1. The sidekick Every Wednesday, a new list of rebates is released. The rebate (typically anywhere from $0.25-1) applies to a product. It isn’t store specific. The reason it’s the sidekick? Most of the rebates tend to be brand specific (i.e. Pledge Floorcare Product). Living on a budget means I may not be able to buy the brand item. A $1.50 rebate on a $10 brand item isn’t better than a $5 generic item. On my first receipt (Fourth of July weekend…we bought a lot of stuff) I was able to make $1.75. 2. The superhero Though I’m not rolling in the rebate dough, the app offers a bit more than Checkout 51. The rebates are specific to certain stores, but many of them are found at multiple stores. Some rebates are brand specific, but many aren’t. Many …